When our workforce comes collectively, it’s a sight to be seen: a motley crew from all throughout the nation united by their shared love of canines. We meet for the primary time in nearly a yr in what may very well be described as the center of nowhere, however for us, it’s the center of all the pieces — our cause for being collectively in so some ways. Rancho Luna Lobos itself is almost indescribable; a rescue, a rehab middle, a racing workforce, and a household like nothing any of us has ever seen earlier than. The temps could also be just under zero, however there’s a sure heat to this place that comes from being within the presence of canines.
To many, dog-led care sounds utopian, however at Rancho Luna Lobos, it’s very a lot a actuality. What began as a household simply rescuing a few huskies was a sanctuary for over 90 canines, all with their very own distinctive personalities, challenges, and tales. Strolling by way of the pup-proofed gates of the ranch, we’re instantly greeted by at the least half a dozen of the Lobos themselves — a rag-tag squad of Northern breeds starting from huskies to Nice Pyrenees mixes to wolf hybrids.
We meet an 180-pound Alaskan Malamute who jumps up and down on his hind legs like a pet. We meet a trainer’s pet named Lilly, who follows the ranch’s proprietor, Fernando, wherever he goes. We meet a lean machine named Heather, however whereas she seems to be like a decided D1 athlete, seems, all she’s decided to do is lounge across the ranch on the lookout for pats and kisses. And maybe most inspirational of all, we meet Humberto, a blind pup who labored his method as much as changing into a lead sled canine. Sure, you learn that proper: a blind canine leads the dogsled workforce.
The household took Humberto in, assuming he’d simply wish to stay a pleasant, stress-free life on the ranch. Humberto had different plans. He whined in pleasure and jealousy as he heard the sled canines racing their laps round him. Fernando determined to hook Humberto as much as the sled line to see what occurred. He thrived—and labored his method as much as the lead place. The blind main the seeing, as a result of all it took was Humberto’s particular coronary heart.
Humberto teaches us so many issues. He’s the epitome of by no means counting somebody or one thing out. For each individuals and canines, while you lean into what brings you pleasure and have a good time what makes you you, the sky is the restrict. To know them is to like them.
Oh, and we additionally meet a St. Bernard named Daisy. And if that’s not the cutest factor you’ve ever heard, we don’t know what’s.
Take a look at this video of our outing:
